LFT – Liver Function Test

Description

Liver Function Test (LFT) for Dogs & Cats | At Home Petcare, Hyderabad

The Liver Function Test (LFT) is a comprehensive blood panel that evaluates your pet’s liver health by measuring key enzymes and proteins. It helps detect liver disease, hepatitis, bile duct obstruction, and metabolic disorders in dogs and cats. At Home Petcare offers doorstep LFT collection in Hyderabad, with results in 24–48 hours.

What Does the LFT Panel Include?

A standard veterinary LFT panel typically includes:

• ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): Most specific marker of liver cell damage in dogs
• AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): Liver and muscle damage indicator
• ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase): Bile duct and liver disease marker
• GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase): Sensitive indicator of biliary disease, especially in cats
• Total Bilirubin: Detects jaundice and bile excretion problems
• Direct & Indirect Bilirubin: Differentiates pre-hepatic, hepatic, and post-hepatic causes
• Total Protein & Albumin: Assess liver’s synthetic function
• Globulin: Evaluates immune response and chronic disease

Why Is LFT Ordered?

Indications for Dogs

• Jaundice (yellow eyes, skin, or gums)
• Unexplained vomiting, weight loss, or lethargy
• Pre-surgical liver assessment
• Monitoring long-term medications (NSAIDs, steroids, anticonvulsants)
• Cushing’s disease screening or monitoring
• Suspected toxic liver injury (plants, drugs, xylitol)
• Senior wellness bloodwork (7+ years)

Indications for Cats

• Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) — especially in anorexic cats
• Cholangiohepatitis complex
• Triaditis (liver, pancreas, bowel disease)
• Hyperthyroidism-related liver changes
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Routine senior wellness panel (7+ years)

Normal Reference Ranges (Approximate)

• ALT – Dogs: 10–60 U/L | Cats: 10–75 U/L
• ALP – Dogs: 10–100 U/L | Cats: 10–90 U/L
• Total Bilirubin – Dogs: 0–0.4 mg/dL | Cats: 0–0.4 mg/dL
• Albumin – Dogs: 2.5–4.4 g/dL | Cats: 2.3–3.9 g/dL

Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Values must be interpreted by a veterinarian in the context of clinical signs.

Sample Requirements

• Sample type: Venous blood (serum)
• Fasting: 8–12 hours strongly recommended for accurate results
• Volume: 2–3 mL
• Special handling: Protect bilirubin sample from light

Turnaround Time

Results are delivered within 24–48 hours. Our veterinary professionals collect the blood sample at your home in Hyderabad and send it to an accredited diagnostic laboratory for analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the LFT test for pets?

The Liver Function Test (LFT) measures multiple liver enzymes and proteins to assess whether your pet’s liver is healthy, inflamed, damaged, or failing to perform its synthetic and metabolic functions.

Is the LFT the same as a liver panel?

Yes. LFT and liver panel are interchangeable terms. The exact tests included may vary by laboratory, but typically include ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, total bilirubin, albumin, and total protein.

How often should my senior dog or cat get an LFT?

For pets aged 7 and above, or those on long-term medications, an annual LFT is recommended as part of a routine wellness screen.

Is home blood collection available in Hyderabad?

Yes. At Home Petcare covers all major areas of Hyderabad. Our trained veterinary staff perform safe, gentle blood collection at your doorstep, saving you the stress of a clinic visit.

Can LFT detect early liver disease?

Yes. Elevated liver enzymes (especially ALT and ALP) often appear before clinical symptoms, making the LFT a valuable early-detection tool. Catching liver disease early improves treatment outcomes significantly.